persons strive for high ideals
Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and
the
haste, and remember what
peace there
may be in silence. As far as
possible,
without surrender, be on good
terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and
clearly; and
listen to others, even to the dull
and the
ignorant; they too have their
story.
Avoid loud and aggressive
persons; they
are vexatious to the spirit. If
you compare
yourself with others, you may
become vain
or bitter, for always there will
be greater
and lesser persons than
yourself.
Enjoy achievements as well as
your
plans. Keep interested in your
own career,
however humble; it is a real
possession in
the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your
business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this
not blind you to what virtue
there is; many
and everywhere life is full of
heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not
feign
affection. Neither be cynical
about love; for
in the face of all aridity and
disenchantment, it is as
perennial as the
grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the
years,
gracefully surrendering the
things of
youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to
shield you in
sudden misfortune. But do not
distress
yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears
are born of fatigue and
loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome
discipline, be gentle
with yourself. You are a child
of the
universe no less than the trees
and the
stars; you have a right to be
here.
And whether or not it is clear to
you, no
doubt the universe is unfolding
as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to
be. And whatever your labors
 and aspirations, in the noisy
confusion of life, keep peace in
your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and
broken
dreams, it is still a beautiful
world. Be
cheerful. Strive to be happy.